My husband recently went for a new sleep study for his sleep apnea, so he could get a new CPAP machine to replace his old one. The CPAP has been a miracle for us and really stops his horrendously loud snoring and helps him get a good solid sleep. ( And me too let's be honest...)
Well, he needed a series of x-rays for it along with the other tests. And they found something in the x-rays.
A spot on his lung. 1 cm square.
And what with his history as a smoker for over 20 years, I'm kind of freaking out. (He started when he was 12, like most kids in Quebec at the time, it was just the way. He finally quit several years ago after many attempts. Hardest thing he has ever done, poor man.)
He is going for a CT scan tomorrow,* because it might be something else like scar tissue from an old infection, or some weird thing. Thing is, we won't get results until we get back from vacation, unless they see some bizarre thing on the CT and make him stay there, but I doubt that. Anything bigger they would have found on the x-rays.
But still losing my mind here. Vomiting with fear in fact. And everything I've found on the web, involves the horrible norm, a person who can't breathe well, gets an x-ray, and discovers advanced incurable lung cancer. Meanwhile, my husband is the rare exception, the person who gets a routine x-ray and discovers something.
So if any of you know of any good stories about lung cancer survival I really need to hear them. I already have found zillions of sad stories, but not many good ones.
If you know nothing good, then just do me a favor and pray that the fucking x-ray spot was a spot on someone's glasses, or a drip of jam from a danish, K?
If you smoke, quit. If you have already quit, get annual lung x-rays.
Did you know that no one had ever heard of lung cancer prior to smoking? No joke...there are no recorded cases of lung cancer in the history of medicine until smoking began.
About to become the world's most vicious anti-smoking campaigner btw.....something about three small children who might grow up without their father is kind of motivating me.
CT is at 3:30 Friday.
*Funny story: Mr.C. assumes he needs to go to Buffalo and pay for his CT/MRI and guess what? Nope, once again, he gets it right away for free, cause he has a serious medical need. They would have done them both sooner, but we're away next week, drinking, and living in denial.....
Did I already tell you that my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer when I was 16/17 in my last year of high school?
ReplyDeleteIf I already have, then you can just ignore my story, but in my dad's case, he was relatively "lucky". There was a VERY large tumor, about the size of a grapefruit, in his right lung. "Luckily", it was completely encapsulated, and had not spread anywhere else. So, they "merely" had to crack open his ribs, and cut out the lower 1/3 portion of his lung, along with the encapsulated tumor.
He did not require any follow up radiation or chemotherapy, which was a blessing.
Anyway, he made a full recovery....he was traumatized by the experience, and weakened by the surgery, but considering his age at the time (although he had been in excellent health up to that point), he made quite a speedy recovery.
He hasn't ever had a recurrence (and no, we don't expect he ever will, it's been well over 10 years now). He's had other serious health issues since then, but nothing to do with his lungs since.
And you already know that I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer at 18 and I didn't die......So, there are two "good statistics" for you....I know it's probably not at all helpful.
Sorry, I am probably not the best person to talk to about cancer stuff...it just doesn't scare me at all....we've had so much experience with it, I just feel......calm, about it....nothing scares me anymore, I guess.
I mean, if you've already had the worst thing(s) happen to you already, there isn't really anything left to fear, I suppose.
FWIW, your husband probably does NOT have cancer, and I certainly hope his scans turn up nothing at all.
I hope you guys can relax and enjoy your vacation as much as possible.
Let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you. I'll be thinking about you.
xx
N
Family friend in his 80s...spot on his left lung...they cut it out and, years later, he's still ticking. Just try not to worry for now and enjoy your vacation.
ReplyDeleteI'd say "Don't panic" but I'd be doing exactly what you are doing, so I wn't bother. I know of a woman that was a lifetime smoker and they found she had lung cancer. She now has pretty much just one lung, went through chemo, radiation..you name it. She's a 6 year survivor now. She's gorgeous and healthy and helping raise her grandaughter.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom's had a spot on her lung for about 10 years. They keep checking it but it's never changed - never grown or altered in any way - they say some people just have "spotty" lungs.
I'm praying for you!
no stories, just prayers. lots and lots of prayers!
ReplyDeleteNo stories, but prayers and nothing but good thoughts. Hang in there
ReplyDelete(((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteAs a former Buffalo medical community family -- you should be in good hands at least. Thinking good thoughts for you. I understand, my mom smoked from 15-60 and I'm just waiting for a problem. But some escape unscathed, so hoping for that for you.
ReplyDeleteI got nothing, but well wishes and good vibes.
ReplyDeleteI have no good stories or advice, but wanted to send a hug.
ReplyDeleteNo stories or assvice, just (((hugs))). My dad & sister both smoke, & I wish they would stop.
ReplyDeleteNo stories for you, good or bad. Hoping it turns out to be nothing serious.
ReplyDeleteNo stories, but thinking of you.
ReplyDeletePrayers here too!
ReplyDeleteNo stories here...just lots of prayers and support coming your way.
ReplyDeleteWhat they thought was a tumour metastasis on my mother's lung (she has lymphoma) turned out to be just fluid, which was easily drained away.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear and thinking of you.
Thinking of you. And you know that you and your family are in my prayers.
ReplyDelete